The state member for Sturt, James Stevens recently paid a visit to St Martin’s Campbelltown to take a look at Martin’s Space, the new community room where Foodbank clients are warmly welcomed two Wednesdays a month.
Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, operates on a scale that makes it crucial to the work of the front-line charities who are feeding vulnerable Australians.
The organisation provides more than 70% of the food rescued for food relief organisations nationwide.
Mr Stevens met with Canon Mara di Francesca and Greg Rosser to witness the successful outreach ministry. The parish has secured several grants working closely with Mr Steven’s office to assist in several ministry opportunities.
As part of its ministry to Foodbank clients, the Parish offers free coffee, tea and biscuits and a monthly café (Chat and Chew) that provides a simple paid meal with tea or coffee for $7.00.
At Christmas, the parish provides a luncheon free to customers and volunteers on one of the Wednesdays Foodbank at St Martin’s in December.
St Martin’s parishioners feel that as well as the provision of food and beverage, providing hospitality is based on our desire to connect with members of the community who may need other support, who may be socially isolated, who may require a pastoral response to their situation simply by listening, encouraging and by offering chaplaincy to those who seek such support.
The parish sees this as part of its vision to Express God’s love through ministry and service to all and its mission in doing God’s work and message through service to others and building community.
The Parish’s Op Shop ‘Reggie’s Shed’ is open throughout Foodbank’s visit, providing quality second-hand bric-a-brac, clothing, books, CDs and other treasures.
